In a remarkable display of musical collaboration, renowned artist Vince Gill and accomplished instrumentalist Paul Franklin have united their talents once more for a venture that transcends the boundaries of traditional country music. The duo’s latest album endeavor, “Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & the Cherokee Cowboys,” is a profound tribute to an era of country music that has become increasingly elusive in today’s musical landscape.
Their previous joint effort, the co-billed album “Bakersfield,” released a decade ago, paid homage to the musical legacies of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. Now, after a hiatus of ten years, Gill and Franklin have reconvened to deliver a sequel that pays homage to the iconic Ray Price and his backing band, the Cherokee Cowboys.
The album’s subtitle, which includes a nod to the long-lost backing band, serves as an indication that their project extends beyond mere admiration for Price. Ray Price, whose illustrious recording career spanned five decades, left an indelible mark on the country music genre before his passing in 2013 at the age of 87. Gill and Franklin’s album is an homage not only to Price himself but also to a traditional style of country music that has become increasingly scarce on today’s airwaves.
In an insightful conversation with Variety, Vince Gill reflects on the contemporary perception of country music, stating, “People say all the time, ‘Country music’s dead.’ I go, ‘No, it’s not. It’s not dead. It’s just not real popular.’ That’s a big difference, you know? … I think the real point of all this is we miss that kind of music. We don’t get to play much of it, and it’s fun for us to go back and not only honor who we revere but also get the opportunity to play what we first learned to play, and it takes us back to our youth in a great way.”
While it may not seize the top spots on contemporary music charts, the release of “Sweet Memories” holds significant importance for aficionados of authentic country music. The album, which was unveiled on Friday, resonates as an event of musical significance. Prior to the album’s debut, Variety engaged in a conversation with Paul Franklin and Vince Gill, delving into their creative process as they navigated the intricate balance between capturing the spirit of a bygone era and infusing their unique artistic essence into the project. Their collaboration stands as a testament to their shared commitment to preserving the essence of classic country music, while also shaping its trajectory for a new generation of listeners.
